The United States State Department has officially updated its visa bond program, introducing a new requirement for eligible applicants from 50 designated countries. These individuals seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas may now need to post a refundable financial bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 before their visas can be issued.
This updated program, which operates under Section 221(g)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, was made permanent through a final rule that took effect on August 3, 2026. The State Department's official list of affected countries was last updated on October 2, 2026.
What is a US Visa Bond?
A visa bond is a financial deposit that certain applicants must provide as a condition for receiving a B1/B2 visa, which covers temporary visits for business and tourism. For nationals of countries on the designated list, a US consular officer can mandate a bond of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000, with the exact amount determined during the visa interview process.
It is crucial to understand that this bond is distinct from the standard visa fee. It is fully refundable if the traveler adheres to all visa conditions, including departing the US within the permitted period. However, paying the bond does not guarantee visa issuance. The State Department has also cautioned applicants against making any payment until explicitly instructed by a consular officer. Those directed to post a bond must complete DHS Form I-352 and make payment via the official Pay.gov system.
Is India Included in the Visa Bond Program?
No, India is not on the updated list of 50 countries. This means that Indian passport holders are not subject to the visa bond requirement solely based on their nationality under the current program. The updated list encompasses nations across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, but notably excludes India.
Which Countries Are Affected?
The 50 countries currently covered by the US visa bond program include:
- South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal
- Africa: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Asia/Central Asia: Cambodia, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
- Caribbean/Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Nicaragua, Venezuela
- Pacific: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
The State Department's official list also specifies the effective date from which each country became subject to the program.
Why Has the US Introduced This Bond?
According to the State Department, the visa bond program is directly linked to B1/B2 visa overstay rates, as recorded in the US Department of Homeland Security's Entry/Exit Overstay Report. The final rule explicitly states that the bond is intended to ensure that temporary visitors maintain their nonimmigrant status and depart the United States as required by law.
Travelers who post a bond are also subject to specific entry and exit conditions. They must enter and leave the US exclusively through designated commercial airports of entry, including eligible CBP preclearance locations. This means they are prohibited from using land borders, seaports, charter aircraft, or general aviation for entry or departure under the bond conditions.